Morris County WWII Veteran Turns 102!
Published on August 28, 2024
Celebration Held at Red Barn Restaurant in Montville
Gerald “Gerry” Gemian, a World War II veteran who turned 102 years old on Aug. 25th, was honored this week by Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo and Sheriff James M. Gannon at a celebration in the company of friends and family who enjoyed a complimentary meal at the Red Barn Restaurant in Montville.
View More Photos from the 102nd Birthday Celebration
“This is an amazing man,” said Commissioner Mastrangelo. “It’s a milestone in his life and in all of ours. How many people know someone as tough as Gerry at 102? He’s contributed so much to our society, town, county, and country. I just want to thank you, Gerry, for what you and your entire generation did, and for the sacrifices you made in defense of our nation.”
On behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Mastrangelo presented Mr. Gemian a Morris County “Certificate of Honor” that recognized both his 102nd Birthday and his military service.
“Gerry came from the greatest generation. He’s a perfect example. Norman Rockwell should be painting in this room right now what Montville and Morris County are all about, and what Gerry is all about. He’s a great man and he makes us all better people,” said Sheriff Gannon.
“You have a friend, grapple him with hoops of steel and don’t let him go,” responded Mr. Gemian, paraphrasing Shakespeare, “You are all my friends, and my heart always goes out to every friend here. Thank you very much.”
Mr. Gemian was joined by his son, Gary Gemian, a Lincoln Park councilman. The Red Barn Restaurant provided food, including a birthday cake with a frosted photo of Gerry and his late wife, Liz, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 98.
“We love Gerry and are here to take care of him every day,” said Toni Smith, Red Barn’s owner since 2007, who put the event together with the help of Diane’s Dairy owners, Michael and Diane Manganelli.
Mr. Gemian enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942, serving as a combat radio operator, Staff Sergeant Technician 3rd Grade, in the Central Pacific theater during WWII. He participated in some of the war’s bloodiest campaigns, including the Marshall Islands and invasions of Kwajalein and Eniwetok Atolls.
Despite facing intense combat, Gemian managed to emerge unscathed. He later told CBS News, “One thing that always sustained me is: keep going, keep going. No matter what happens, or what the hell happened, I always managed to move somehow or another.”
After the war, Gemian married wife, Liz, and the couple moved to Montville in 1977. He built a successful career in contract administration with Curtis-Wright Corporation and ITT Avionics.
Now in 2024, Gerry continues to “keep going” at the age of 102, only recently giving up driving-- a decision mostly influenced by those around him.
Morris County celebrates Mr. Gemian’s longevity, commends him for his distinguished military service and wishes him many more years of continued health and happiness!
The County Commissioners also presented a Resolution of Honor to Mr. Gemian when he turned 100 in 2022.
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Photo 1: Gerry Gemian seated in front of his 102nd birthday cake at the Red Barn Restaurant in Montville, where a host of family and friends joined him for the celebration.
Photo 2: (l-r) Gerry Gemian, Sheriff James Gannon, Commissioner Mastrangelo and Sgt. Frank Benevento of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, with the Morris County “Certificate of Honor”.